Microsoft and Tech4Dev have partnered to equip women and girls in Africa with technology skills.
Under the Women Techsters Initiative, the women and girls aged 16 to 40 from across 54 countries in Africa, will be put through a one-year fellowship program. They will learn different skills including software development, product design, product management, data science, artificial intelligence engineering and cyber security, among others.
Microsoft Philanthropies for Middle East and Africa, Director, Ms Ghada Khalifa said empowering women and girls with tech skills accelerates their access to decent jobs.
“When we empower girls and women in the ICT industry, through greater access to skills and training, we not only unlock innovation, but also economic opportunities,” said Ms Khalifa during the launch of the partnership on March 8.
Tech start-ups
With the tech skills, the beneficiaries are expected to start tech-enabled businesses and deep tech start-ups, thereby promoting the continent’s economic growth.
Tech4Dev Executive Director Ms Diwura Oladepo said the initiative will bridge the gender gap in the technology space in the continent. Read more…
